Parental Access to Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of a student’s education records. It applies to schools receiving funds through a U.S. Department of Education program.

Once a student turns 18, information from his/her student record can not be shared with others –including parents- unless he/she gives written permission. The law does allow an institution to disclose records without consent in some special cases such as health and safety emergencies.